As Opioid Addiction Epidemic Continues to Affect Maryland Communities, Senator and Health Commissioner to Discuss Progress Made and Challenges Ahead

Washington, DC – Today, May 12, 2017 at 2:15 pm, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen will hold a media availability to discuss new federal funding that will improve access to addiction and substance use disorder treatment following their tour of a treatment center in Baltimore.

Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, recently helped to secure $103 million for combatting the opioid epidemic in the recently approved federal omnibus spending bill. The omnibus also included funding for substance abuse and mental health research.

Last year, Congress passed the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation Senator Van Hollen cosponsored to authorize $1 billion over two years to address the opioid epidemic. Maryland will receive approximately $10 million to fight the opioid crisis thanks to passage of the 21st Century Cures Act.

WHO: U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen

WHAT: Media availability on combatting addiction and substance use disorders